Marriage licences and city ceremonies in Thunder Bay, Ontario

Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

Prepare both applicants’ original identification, a completed signed application and any required divorce documents before a Thunder Bay marriage-licence appointment.

Thunder Bay City Hall in 2010. This dated building photograph helps identify the listed service destination; it does not show today’s counter or conditions.
Thunder Bay City Hall in 2010. This dated building photograph helps identify the listed service destination; it does not show today’s counter or conditions. Photo: Vidioman, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0.

Key information

Prepare both applicants’ original identification, a completed signed application and any required divorce documents before a Thunder Bay marriage-licence appointment.

On this page

How the service works

The licence is a document used for the marriage; a civil ceremony is a separate booking. Decide whether you need the licence alone, an officiant arrangement, a city venue or some combination before paying. Ceremony availability seven days a week on request does not mean the licence counter opens seven days a week.

Complete the application with all given names matching the identification. The Clerk can review unusual identification, translation, consent or foreign-divorce circumstances before the appointment. A widowed applicant is not required by the posted city instructions to supply proof of death.

Sources: Marriage licences and city ceremonies in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Compare the options

Documents and separate costs
Task or circumstancePreparePublished amount
Marriage licenceSigned application and both applicants’ original ID$164
Canadian divorceOriginal/court-certified Certificate of DivorceDocument acquisition cost not quoted
Foreign-language IDSworn translation and affidavitTranslation cost not quoted
Civil ceremonySeparate ceremony booking$342 plusHST
City venueSeparate venue enquiryConfirm with venue staff

Sources: Marriage licences and city ceremonies in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Steps to use the service

Steps to use the service
  1. Check your circumstances

    Resolve identification, divorce, translation or consent requirements.

  2. Book and attend

    Bring both applicants’ originals and the ink-signed form.

  3. Arrange the ceremony

    Confirm the officiant, venue and licence expiry separately.

Sources: Marriage licences and city ceremonies in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Eligibility and local rules

Where is the licence issued?

The Clerk’s Office is on City Hall’s first floor at 500 Donald Street East. The city recommends an appointment online or by calling 807-625-2230, extension 9.

Source: Marriage licences and city ceremonies in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

When can an application be processed?

The published counter period is Monday to Friday,9 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays. Allow about 30 minutes and arrive by 4 p.m. with the completed package.

Source: Marriage licences and city ceremonies in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Must both people attend?

One applicant can attend with the completed application signed in ink by both people and the required original identification for both.

Source: Marriage licences and city ceremonies in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Using the service

What identification is needed?

Each person needs two original valid pieces showing name and birth date, with at least one photo ID. Names must match. The city does not accept copies, phone photos, expired ID, health cards or SIN cards.

Source: Marriage licences and city ceremonies in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

What if identification is not in English?

The city requires a written sworn translation. It must be completed by a fluent person who is not a relative, or a translation company, with the required commissioned affidavit.

Source: Marriage licences and city ceremonies in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

What if an applicant is 16 or 17?

The city requires parent or guardian consent for applicants under 18. Contact the Clerk before the visit to confirm the correct consent documents.

Source: Marriage licences and city ceremonies in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

What divorce documents are needed?

For a Canadian divorce, provide an original or court-certified Certificate of Divorce. A Decree Absolute is accepted only for divorces before 1985. Foreign divorces have additional provincial document requirements.

Source: Marriage licences and city ceremonies in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Exceptions and help

What does the licence cost?

The posted fee is $164. Accepted payment includes cash, debit, Visa, Mastercard, money order or certified cheque. Check the current fee when booking.

Source: Marriage licences and city ceremonies in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Where and how long can it be used?

The licence is for a marriage in Ontario and is valid for the city’s stated three-month period. Plan the purchase around the ceremony date and check the printed expiry.

Source: Marriage licences and city ceremonies in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Is a city ceremony included in the licence fee?

No. The city lists a separate civil-ceremony fee of $342 plusHST, with venue arrangements separate. Cancellation within 30 days or a no-show is not refundable; one agreed date change is allowed.

Source: Marriage licences and city ceremonies in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Local service locations

Thunder Bay City Hall Clerk’s Office

500 Donald Street East, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Issues marriage licences on the first floor. An appointment is recommended for the document review.

Thunder Bay City Hall in 2010. This dated building photograph helps identify the listed service destination; it does not show today’s counter or conditions.
Thunder Bay City Hall in 2010. This dated building photograph helps identify the listed service destination; it does not show today’s counter or conditions. Photo: Vidioman, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0.
Licence enquiries
807-625-2230 extension 9
Venue enquiries
807-625-2941

Sources: Marriage licensing

Google Maps uses the named destination and recorded address. The map is not proof of an accessible entrance, current opening or available service.

Sources: Marriage licences and city ceremonies in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information

Official contacts and forms

Sources: Marriage licences and city ceremonies in Thunder Bay, Ontario official information